Sonia Sotomayor Speaks at TU

September 11, 2014

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Supreme Court Justice gives fireside chat for TU students, faculty, and staff
Tulsa, OK – The University of Tulsa College of Law welcomed The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, on Wednesday, September 10, for a fireside chat. The event was hosted by Dean Janet K. Levit and Chapman Distinguished Professor of Law Robert Spoo in front of a capacity audience at TU’s Lorton Performance Center.

Students, faculty, and staff from TU Law and other colleges across the campus participated in a Q&A format discussion. Questions were submitted in advance and chosen by Professor Spoo.

Justice Sotomayor told her story of growing up in the Bronx and how a high school friend encouraged her to apply to Ivy League schools. She answered questions about race in America today, the dynamics of the relationships between Supreme Court justices, the importance of law in society, and the need for a broad education for understanding what motivates all human beings.

“The way Justice Sotomayor practices law and lives life embodies the same values that we strive to impart to all of our students and alumni at TU Law,” said Dean Levit. “We are deeply honored that she took time out of her busy schedule to share her insights at The University of Tulsa.”

TU Law student Hillary Hellmann said, “Justice Sotomayor’s inspiring words reminded me of all of the reasons why I want to be a lawyer – to dedicate my life to public service and to use the law to better society. Her commentary on what the law has meant to her and how she sees it as a tool to improve the world around her has reinvigorated my passion for the field.”

TU Law student Anna Lukeman said, “Justice Sotomayor’s path to becoming an Associate Justice is inspirational. She is an incredible role model, both for women and all lawyers across the nation, and we are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to share the afternoon with her.”